The River Hamble

Internationally famous as a first class sailing centre, the River Hamble is also renowned for the excellence of its servicing and repair facilities offered in a variety of marinas and boatyards. Whether your interest is racing, power-boating or blue water cruising, the Hamble has the facilities you need; deep water, easy access to the Solent at all states of the tide.

Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Hamble is perfect for weekend excursions or as a departure point for destinations further afield. It is used extensively by yachtsmen; competitors in Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race use the harbour as a base and, closer to home, local yacht clubs host the Hamble Winter Series, Warsash Spring Series, Bursledon Regatta, national, European and World championships, .

The river is not just a sailing Mecca, it is a nationally and internationally important site for nature conservation and a bird watchers' paradise. Riverside walks or simply watching the world go by are popular pastimes. It also offers a safe location for rowing, canoeing and kayaking, and for the up-coming sport of paddle-boarding.

The river is a constant hive of activity during the summer season and therefore care should always be taken. Access to the River Hamble is available at all states of tide, although waves can build up at the entrance in a southwesterly wind combined with an ebb tide.

By day, from the vicinity of Hamble Point Buoy, follow the main channel which is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles. From the Warsash Maritime Academy Jetty, the starboard side of the channel is clearly marked by four lit starboard-hand buoys. A 'preferred channel' mark (pile) is at the southern end of the first pontoon encountered; leave it to port for the main channel. Thereafter, the main channel is clearly marked with lit port and starboard-hand piles.

At night, follow Hamble Common Directional light on a bearing of 352°, then Sailing Club Directional light on a bearing of 029° and then follow the lit buoys and piles as above.

Depths obviously vary. Most marinas are dredged to 1.5m. Depths in the main channel vary from at least 4m in the approaches, to 2.2m at Bursledon Bend. Tidal streams can be very strong, particularly on the ebb. Mariners are advised to keep to the centre line or to starboard of the centre line and not too close to the entrance piles, especially at Low Water.

Walk ashore facilities are available for visitors at the Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash and Hamble. There are also mid-stream visitors' pontoons available between piles B1 and B6. For berth allocation, call the Harbour Master on VHF Ch 68 Call Sign 'Hamble Harbour Radio'.

There is a 6 knot 'through the water' speed limit from No. 1 pile and wash limit on all vessels whilst within the River Hamble harbour limits. No anchoring is allowed in the river, except in the Upper Hamble, above Manor Farm Country Park Jetty, where anchored boats must not be left unattended. Access to the Upper Hamble is through three bridges, the lowest of which (A27) has a clearance of 3.5 metres at Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT).

Hamble Point Marina

Hamble Point Marina is hard to beat for its location alone, right at the mouth of the River Hamble with easy access to the world-famous waters of the Solent. This makes the marina a magnet for competitive sailors from around the globe, and a favourite with racers and cruising yachtsmen alike. The 230-berth marina itself offers extensive shore-side facilities. Besides a well-stocked chandlery, bar and restaurant, Hamble Point also has the best range of new and used boats for sale on the South Coast.

When approaching Hamble Point, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port. At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. The entrance to Hamble Point Marina is 500m further north on the west bank.

Port Hamble Marina

Port Hamble Marina is on the River Hamble, right in the heart of the South Coast's sailing scene. With thousands of visitors every year, this busy marina is popular with racing enthusiasts and cruising vessels looking for an exciting atmosphere. The picturesque Hamble Village, with its inviting pubs and restaurants, is only a few minutes’ walk away. Our easily-accessible fuel berth sells both petrol and diesel seven days a week, with late-night opening in summer.

When approaching Port Hamble, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port. At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. Port Hamble Marina is about 0.75 miles north, the second marina on the west bank.

Mercury Yacht Harbour

Mercury Yacht Harbour is set in a sheltered wooded site where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek join the River Hamble. Originally built by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the marina offers berthing for 360 boats and enjoys deep water at all states of tide. Among its excellent facilities are a well-stocked chandlery as well as a bar and restaurant with waterfront views. Mercury Yacht Harbour offers excellent boatyard facilities for boat repairs or maintenance work. Besides winter storage ashore for over 100 boats, there is a 20-ton travel hoist and boat mover.

When approaching the marina, please keep clear of commercial shipping in Southampton Water. From abeam Calshot Castle head for Hamble Pt South Cardinal buoy at the mouth of the well-marked river. From here the channel is narrow between drying banks, so be sure to leave the No 2 East Cardinal beacon to port. At night two directional lights lead to Warsash Jetty on the east bank. About 1.35 miles north, Mercury Yacht Harbour is the third marina on the west bank.

Deacons Marina & Yard

Deacons Marina is conveniently located on the river Hamble at Bursledon Bridge, just minutes from the M27. The marina is recently dredged and refurbished, and has 130 deep water walk-ashore pontoon berths and a full-service boatyard.

Deacons Yard provides 150 spaces ashore for boats up to 48 feet, and the team can handle any task from paint and polish to keel removal, Coppercoat to a rudder rebuild. Onsite there are specialist riggers, electronics, Force 4 chandlery, Why Boats brokerage and a great café.

Universal Marina

Universal Marina, an independently run exclusive family marina on the East bank of the River Hamble. Set in a tranquil woodland environment; no busy roads, leave the rat race behind and only 15 minutes from the Solent by water. Under new management their priority is customer service. Welcoming you during 2018, to new exclusive onshore amenities, including berth holders serviced lounge - TV, I.T and Wi-Fi; showers and toilets. Complimented by, Bistro 8 restaurant, free car parking for berth holders; holistic treatments and beauty at Natures Quay; Pilates studio or alternatively relax on the water and use their paddleboard or kayaking facilities. If you wish your friends to stay onsite but not onboard, Universal Marina can accommodate the opportunity to book rooms in their luxurious Woodland Lodge, overlooking Five Oaks Trout Fishing Lake. With no hidden costs, their annual berthing package includes FREE water, electric, Wi-Fi and three weeks ashore. 10% off lifting and launching prices. They also welcome short term berthing and have dry stack facilities. At Universal Marina there are a variety of Commercial Tenants that can assist with maintenance and all your boating requirements.

Swanwick Marina

Premier’s Swanwick Marina is situated on the picturesque eastern bank of the River Hamble, approximately two miles upriver from the entrance to Southampton Water. If you’re planning to visit Swanwick in the summer please contact reception by phone or VHF Ch. 80 for berth availability and directions. At Swanwick Marina yachtsmen can look forward to a new fully serviced boatyard, a new dry stack, new luxury facilities, new launderette, free WiFi, electricity and water on pontoons. There is also 24-hour security, berth holder car parking, a new self-serve fuel berth with a high-speed pump and a Café Bistro -The Boat House Café.